a coarse comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a coarse comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comparison that is rough, imprecise, or lacking in subtlety. Example: "While the two products serve similar purposes, the marketing campaign made a coarse comparison that failed to highlight their unique features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The measurements presented in the following should provide a coarse comparison of the performance of the two systems.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A small tolerance value (r) corresponds to a fine pattern matching and a large r value corresponds to a coarser comparison.

BioMed Research International

Exceptions are QTL studies where transferable markers such as a few microsatellites [ 30, 38] or candidate genes [ 14, 38] were also mapped so that it is at least possible to make a coarse preliminary comparison of QTL locations at the linkage group level.

BMC Plant Biology

The RNAMute mutation analysis tool, [ 16], includes RNAdistance from [ 2, 6]: the RNA edit distance of the dot bracket representation as a fine-grain comparison method, and the edit distance of the Shapiro representation, [ 4, 5], as a coarse-grain comparison method.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Firstly, these two datasets provided coarse comparisons across regions, and were limited by the small number of common variables that assessed known determinants of suicidal ideation at a more fine-grained level (e.g., personality factors, social support, or valid measures of personal socio-economic factors).

BMC Psychiatry

However, this QST-FST comparison is not to be considered a precise test for natural selection, but rather as a coarse assessment to explore if some traits and deme comparisons show consistent patterns of differences in the two metrics.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In comparison, no evidence for competition was evident on a coarse scale, but densities of host species were negatively correlated.

BMC Ecology

This allows a coarse-grained characterization and comparison of patient phenotypes.

Human Genetics

By comparison, Faye Dunaway's hysterics in "Network" come off as amusing freak-outs, and Sigourney Weaver in "Working Girl" is a coarse, leather-lunged shouter.

The New Yorker

Strain through a coarse strainer.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a coarse, nasty characterization.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a coarse comparison", ensure the context clarifies the level of precision intended. This helps avoid misinterpretation about the depth or accuracy of the comparison.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "coarse comparison" as a definitive analysis. Clearly acknowledge its limitations to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience. Acknowledge the approximation or simplification involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a coarse comparison" functions as a noun phrase, where "coarse" modifies the noun "comparison". It describes the nature of the comparison as being not finely detailed or precise. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used in contexts where a general overview is sufficient.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a coarse comparison" is a noun phrase used to describe a comparison that is not detailed or precise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used effectively when a general overview is sufficient. While relatively rare, its usage spans across science and news domains. Related phrases include "a rough comparison" and "a general comparison". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects the intended level of precision to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough comparison

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the comparison; similar in meaning and context.

a crude comparison

Suggests the comparison is basic and lacks refinement, implying a less sophisticated approach.

a broad comparison

Indicates the comparison covers a wide scope without focusing on specific details.

a general comparison

Highlights that the comparison is high-level and doesn't delve into specifics.

a simplified comparison

Suggests the comparison has been made easier to understand by omitting complexities.

an approximate comparison

Focuses on the inexact nature of the comparison, indicating it's not entirely accurate.

a superficial comparison

Implies the comparison only considers the surface level without deep analysis.

a preliminary comparison

Indicates the comparison is initial and subject to further, more detailed analysis.

a basic comparison

Stresses the fundamental and elementary nature of the comparison.

a high-level comparison

Highlights that the comparison is conducted at a summary level, avoiding granular details.

FAQs

How can I use "a coarse comparison" in a sentence?

You can use "a coarse comparison" to indicate a general or rough comparison, such as, "The study provided "a coarse comparison" of the two methods, highlighting only the most significant differences".

What phrases are similar to "a coarse comparison"?

Similar phrases include "a rough comparison", "a general comparison", or "a basic comparison", each suggesting a comparison that lacks fine detail.

Is "a coarse comparison" the same as "a detailed comparison"?

No, "a coarse comparison" implies a lack of detail, focusing on broad strokes rather than nuances. In contrast, a detailed comparison delves into specific aspects and subtleties.

When is it appropriate to use "a coarse comparison"?

Use "a coarse comparison" when you want to offer a high-level overview without getting bogged down in specifics, or when the available data only allows for a general assessment. It's useful for setting a context before a more in-depth analysis.